Kids Learning in the Garden with “The Carrot Seed”
Guest post by Lizzie Meier, Maine SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educator
“The Carrot Seed” is one of the books that we SNAP-Ed Educators use in the classroom to familiarize students with the act of growing food. “I’m afraid it won’t come up...” This refrain in the book is one that should be familiar to all gardeners and farmers. Planting seeds is a lesson in waiting and hoping. For new young gardeners (as well as seasoned ones!), that wait can feel like an eternity sometimes. “The Carrot Seed” is an excellent book to introduce the children in your life to the rhythm of planting seeds, as well as the joy that can be the end result of all that waiting!
Gardening can be fun for the whole family, whether you have a large plot of land, or are growing in containers inside of your home. It helps to teach children about where food comes from, and about how plants need water and sun to stay healthy just like us. It is a great opportunity to give children responsibility, and to build their self-esteem when they finally see what they grew themselves.
Moreover, sweet, crunchy carrots are a kid favorite, and are filled with lots of vitamins and nutrients to keep our bodies healthy! Many kids already know that carrots are high in Vitamin A, which keeps our eyes healthy, but they are also a good source of fiber and B Vitamins.
Here is one of my very favorite carrot recipes from Cooking Matters:
30 Minutes | 8 Ingredients | 6 Servings
Ingredients
6 medium carrots
½ small onion
1 large lemon
3 Tablespoons canola oil
1 teaspoon curry powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
¼ cup dark or golden raisins
Materials
2 small bowls
Box grater
Cutting board
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Medium bowl
Sharp knife
Vegetable peeler
Instructions
Rinse and peel carrots and onion.
Shred carrots with a grater. Dice onion.
Rinse lemon and cut in half. In a small bowl, squeeze juice. Discard seeds.
In a medium bowl, combine carrots and onions.
In a second small bowl, combine oil, curry powder, salt, pepper, and 2 Tablespoons of the lemon juice. Mix well. Let marinate 5 minutes.
Pour liquid mixture over carrots and onions. Stir in raisins. Mix well. Enjoy!
Chef’s Notes
Replace half of the carrot with grated jicama or apples.
For best taste, allow flavors to blend before serving. Let sit 15–20 minutes after you have mixed in the sauce in step 6.
Serve as a colorful side dish for fish, poached chicken, or baked or broiled chicken legs.
Layer onto a sandwich with lean turkey and fresh veggies like cucumber.
Healthy Acadia’s Maine SNAP-Ed Nutrition Educators offer year-round cooking and nutrition classes in partnership with schools and organizations throughout Hancock and Washington counties. To learn more or schedule a class, contact Mandy or Shannon in Washington County, and Isi or Lizzie in Hancock County.